Author: James Anderson
Is It Bad To Drink Alcohol With Painkillers? How To Stay Safe
If you drink while taking ibuprofen, you definitely should not drive. Using ibuprofen and alcohol together can greatly increase your risk of kidney problems. This medication is designed to relieve pain, swelling, and fever.
“Many painkillers only available on prescription are strong and you should not drink alcohol while taking them,” the health service explains. Another common occurrence of mixing painkillers and alcohol is drinking while taking opioid/narcotic medication. This combination is very dangerous and increases the risk of an overdose. Like alcohol, these drugs suppress areas in the brain that control vital functions such as breathing.
And Dr. Lembke says it is better to just avoid drinking to the point of needing a painkiller altogether. Acetaminophen (better known under by the brand name Tylenol), for example, is well-known for its potential to cause liver damage. And, the risk of damage increases when the two are mixed, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Rather than leave it to chance, it’s best to talk to a doctor or pharmacist about safe drinking practices while using different medications. Numerous other medications, like those taken for allergies, anxiety, depression, heartburn, infection, insomnia, diabetes and arthritis, have their own side effects when mixed with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking medicines can intensify these effects. You may have trouble concentrating or performing mechanical skills. Small amounts of alcohol can make it dangerous to drive, and when you mix alcohol with certain medicines you put yourself at even greater risk. Combining alcohol with some medicines can lead to falls and serious injuries, especially among older people. Medications typically are safe and effective when used appropriately. Your pharmacist or other health care provider can help you determine which medications interact harmfully with alcohol.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Acetaminophen use, with or without alcohol, has been cited as the number onecause of acute liver failure in the United States. Alcohol use also affects the liver so combining the two can be a dangerous combination. Do not combine acetaminophen and alcohol unless advised by your doctor. Drinking alcohol always comes with risks, as do prescription and over-the-counter pain medications. Put those two groups together and you could be creating a deadly combination. But which medications are more dangerous and how much alcohol is too much?
- Medications typically are safe and effective when used appropriately.
- Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
- Alcohol, like some medicines, can make you sleepy, drowsy, or lightheaded.
- Other NSAIDS commonly available for OTC purchase include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
Older people also are more likely to take a medication that interacts with alcohol—in fact, they often need to take more than one of these medications. If you use ibuprofen for long-term treatment, check with your doctor before you have a drink. Your doctor will let you know if it’s safe to drink from time to time based on your risk factors.
Does diabetes cause dizziness?
If you’re concerned about a possible drug interaction between alcohol and OTC medication, checking in with your physician is the best way to get personalized guidance. At Monument, you can meet with a physician specialized in treating substance use disorders, entirely online. Let’s explore the impact of consuming alcohol while taking certain pain medications.
When a woman drinks, the alcohol in her bloodstream typically reaches a higher level than a man’s even if both are drinking the same amount. This is because women’s bodies generally have less water than men’s bodies. Because alcohol mixes with body water, a given amount of alcohol is more concentrated in a woman’s body than in a man’s.
How Does Alcohol Interact With Prescription Medications?
These medications are particularly dangerous to mix with alcohol, especially when taken for seizure-related reasons. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. So does all of this mean that you should never, ever take pain medication for a headache after having a drink or two?
Combining ibuprofen and alcohol amplifies the danger, she says. Furthermore, if you are already at risk for kidney problems (because of diabetes or family history of kidney disease), drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen is even more precarious. Given the potential consequences to your health, it’s recommended to never drink alcohol while you’re utilizing narcotic medication for pain control.
Mixing Prescription Painkillers and Alcohol
“Acute liver failure – Symptoms and causes.” August 29, 2017.